Nine rescue personnel feared missing as boats capsize in swollen Peddacheruvu in Khammam district

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Around nine personnel belonging to two rescue teams, including five State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, went missing after their two inflatable boats reportedly capsized in the swollen Peddacheruvu in Sathupalli mandal of Khammam district on Wednesday evening.

The teams were engaged in an operation to evacuate five fishermen stranded in the floodwaters.

According to sources, the incident occurred when the rescue teams, comprising SDRF and Fire Services personnel, ventured into the swollen rivulet to rescue the stranded fishermen.

The two boats carrying the personnel reportedly capsized amid strong winds and powerful currents.

Khammam Collector Divakara T.S. along with other officials, rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue operation.

Efforts were under way to mobilise NDRF teams and use drones to air-drop life jackets as part of the rescue efforts.

The five fishermen trapped in the floodwaters were reportedly safe, sources said.

The search and rescue operation continued till reports last came in on Wednesday night.

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